The 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup

[Double J]

Gaelic Warrior. Must have a big chance.

Patricks on him, so no chance. If Townend was id agree, but he won’t get off Galopin.

 

[Slim]

Patricks on him, so no chance. If Townend was id agree, but he won’t get off Galopin.

Of course. Just shows you how much thought I put into Cheltenhan in advance any more.

 

[Double J]

Of course. Just shows you how much thought I put into Cheltenhan in advance any more.

Heard someone say something the other day.

Dont quote me on the specifics, but Patrick hasn’t won a Cheltenham race other than the bumper against pro jockeys. How many rides that actually is I dont know. And I know he’ll only be on 2nd and 3rd strings but still. Townend won his fair share when no.2 to Ruby.
Yet all we’ll hear all week is Patrick is an amateur only in name.
Id actually make Gaelic Warrior fav if Townend was on.

 

[Slim]

He nearly killed Douvan.

 

[Double J]

He nearly killed Douvan.

Did the exact same thing with Chacun Pour Soi a few years later.
Imagine Townend falls off one this week and does his arm. Would Willie seriously be putting him up on the 1st string?

 

[Slim]

Did the exact same thing with Chacun Pour Soi a few years later.
Imagine Townend falls off one this week and does his arm. Would Willie seriously be putting him up on the 1st string?

That is the biggest risk to Willie's yard that no one ever talks about. It's why I think Mark Walsh will be riding there next season.